Entry Word: formal
Function: adjective
Text: 1 following or agreeing with established form, custom, or rules <a formal meeting of the school board> <a formal contract that was legally binding> Synonyms ceremonial, ceremonious, conventional, orthodox, regular, routine Related Words authorized, certified, official; accepted, correct, decorous, proper; formalistic, ritual, ritualistic; methodical, orderly, systematicNear Antonyms unauthorized, unofficial; improper, incorrect, indecorousAntonyms informal, irregular, unceremonious, unconventional, unorthodox2 being something in name or form only <was the formal head of the charitable organization though he never attended a single meeting> -- see NOMINAL 13 marked by or showing careful attention to set forms and details <gave her a formal invitation to dinner> -- see CEREMONIOUS 14 relating to or suitable for wearing to an event requiring elegant dress and manners <dress code is formal tonight> <a shop that rents out formal wear> -- see DRESS5 very dignified in form, tone, or style <the formal language of the coronation ceremony> -- see ELEVATED 2